Grammar: Possessive Case (‘s and s’) – English – 1st Year Middle School – Algeria

Possessive Case (‘s and s’)

The possessive case in English shows belonging or ownership. It is formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter s.

Formation

Singular nouns: add ‘s
– The boy’s bag (حقيبة الولد)
– My mother’s car (سيارة أمي)
– The teacher’s desk (مكتب الأستاذ)

Plural nouns ending in -s: add ‘ only
– The girls’ school (مدرسة البنات)
– The students’ books (كتب الطلاب)

Plural nouns not ending in -s: add ‘s
– The children’s toys (ألعاب الأطفال)
– The men’s room (غرفة الرجال)

Examples

– Ali’s house is big.
– My friend’s sister is a doctor.
– The cats’ food is in the kitchen.

Exercises

1. The car of my father → My … car.
2. The books of the teachers → The … books.
3. The toy of the baby → The … toy.

View also Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns and Family Members.